Writing Tips for the Imperfect Writer

Weekend Website: LibriVox

Free audiobooks—that’s the first thing you need to know about LibriVox. The site offers a collection of audio recordings of over 2,000 public domain books and other fare to download to your computer or MP3 player.

What’s the second thing you should know? All of the audiobooks have been recorded by volunteers. This means that the quality can vary greatly—and definitely don’t expect James Earl Jones. But if you don’t like how someone reads your favorite Milton or Keats or chapter in Luke, the site invites you to record your own version to upload.

Many libraries have a good selection of professional recordings to borrow for free (and some allow you to download them as well for a limited time), but this is one of the few places you can find such a wide—and sometimes weird—selection (see for yourself).